Louisiana shrimpers to receive economic assistance
Source: OnlineMariner
Publication date: 2002-09-12

The Times-Picayune NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 12) Shrimpers left in dire economic straits by a global price collapse and last season's weak harvest will divide at least $100,000 in state assistance, officials announced Wednesday. The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency said it would release the money at the request of Gov. Foster to help shrimp harvesters and their families pay utility bills. "Many people are feeling the economic pinch due to bad weather, poor harvests and falling prices," Foster said. "This will make a big difference to an important industry in our state during this crisis." Harvesters had petitioned political leaders for government aid after two late-season cold fronts moved shrimp beyond the reach of most small, independent vessel operators at the same time that a flood of farm-raised, imported shrimp caused global prices to plummet to their lowest level in decades. The combination of factors left many shrimpers facing insolvency and in need of economic assistance, said Sharon Fabre, who helped lead the petition drive. Their efforts were buoyed by Alabama's decision to provide $1 million in aid to Bayou LaBatre shrimpers and a Monday decision by harvesters in eight states to file anti-dumping petitions against 15 countries. Officials also have discussed providing emergency measures such as low-interest loans and food stamps to those hit hardest by the crisis. The energy assistance funds, which come through the federally financed Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, are expected to become available to eligible shrimpers within the next two weeks, officials said. That's just in time, industry leaders said. Though shrimping groups have planned a meeting Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Jean Lafitte auditorium in Lafitte to discuss continued lobbying efforts, several said the energy assistance could provide immediate help to those most in need. "I have a few families down in Venice whose lights are cut off as of right now," Fabre said. "I would say it's a good first step." Publication date: 2002-09-12